WASHINGTON – OnJune 11–12, 2007, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez will join two fellow United States Cabinet Secretaries, three Latin American Vice-Presidents and senior officials from twenty Western Hemisphere nations to participate in the inaugural Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) in Atlanta, Ga. The ACF also anticipates the participation of additional government and business leaders as well as dignitaries from across the Western Hemisphere.

This conference will facilitate the sharing of ideas and best practices from the countries in the region in education, innovation, supply chain strategies, workforce development and small business development growth.

Only legitimate members of the media will be issued a press credential. In order to receive a Press Credential from the U.S. Department of Commerce, reporters must complete the application and submit it to the International Trade Administration Office of Public Affairs. The application can be downloaded at: http://trade.gov/competitiveness/ACF/acf_media_credential_form.pdf

You must also meet one of the following requirements:

Have a State Department Issued Press Credential,

Submit a letter from your supervising editor or producer confirming that you are a member of an accredited news organization (must be on your news organization’s letterhead), or

Submit a published article with your name in the byline.

Applications, related documents and questions may be e-mailed to brittany.eck@mail.doc.gov or faxed to (202) 482-5819. After submitting the required paperwork to the ITA Public Affairs Office, you will receive a confirmation email prior to the Forum. Credentials must be picked up site.

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